Suffield School Board Names Karen Berasi as Next Superintendent Of Schools

Community Contributor Engelham

SUFFIELD - The Board of Education has concluded its search for its next superintendent by voting Karen Berasi as the new leader of the Suffield Public Schools.

Berasi, of Danbury, was selected as superintendent from a pool of 14 people who applied for the position. She replaces former superintendent Karen Baldwin, who resigned from her post in December.

"I am delighted to be chosen as Suffield's Superintendent of Schools and am eager to collaborate with the entire Suffield community to continuously improve and enhance the Suffield Public Schools. Through collaboration and hard work, we will provide each student with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful global citizens in the ever-changing world of the future," Berasi said. She will resign from her position as Assistant Superintendent of Special Services for Ridgefield Public Schools, a position she has held since 2008. Her new position will be her first superintendency.

A native Ohioan, Berasi received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Ohio University. She earned her sixth-year certification from UConn in 2004 and has been certified in executive leadership since 2011. She began her educational career as a speech language pathologist serving in school districts in Ohio, California, and Washington.

Berasi relocated to Connecticut to join the faculty of the University of Connecticut Communications Department in 1999. Berasi has many years of experience in public education from Pre-K through age 21, including twelve years of district leadership work in the Connecticut public schools and three and a half years teaching experience with graduate students at the University of Connecticut. Prior to being hired by the Ridgefield Public Schools, Ms. Berasi was Director of Pupil Personnel Services in the Suffield Public Schools and she is thrilled to be returning to a community she genuinely appreciates and values.

The Board of Education hired Trumbull-based Cooperative Educational Services (C.E.S.) to coordinate the search for a new superintendent. The C.E.S. Executive Search Services consultant held focus groups with community stakeholders and conducted an online survey to create a leadership profile, based on the characteristics and skills desired in the new superintendent. The C.E.S. consultant, Dr. H. Kaye Griffin, assisted the school board in the review and interview process, leading to Berasi's selection.

When asked about the superintendent search process, Karen Berasi said, "from my perspective as a candidate, the thorough search process was impressive, from posting the community survey results online to rigorous interviews, and lastly, the professionalism and candor during my numerous meetings with all stakeholder groups to ensure Suffield and I are a good match. Over the next two months I will be transitioning to Suffield through visits to include administrators, teachers, staff, parents and community members. During this time, I'm also house-hunting in Suffield and learning more about the town and community."

"The board is thrilled to welcome back a respected and admired educator and friend to the Suffield School Family. Karen distinguished herself in the search process with her professional experiences and leadership qualities that focused on collaborative and innovative strategies to help children and families. We are excited to welcome Karen and partner with her in support of Suffield's work to continue providing an exceptional and dynamic school environment for our students," Gee said.

Mel Chafetz, a former Suffield school principal, will continue to serve as interim superintendent until Berasi begins her assumes the post in early July, 2015.

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